Thailand Wants to be the World's Most Sought-After Golf Destination

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has officially opened the Thailand Golf Travel Mart (TGTM) 2024, an annual business-to-business (B2B) marketplace to promote the kingdom as a world-class golf destination. The programme is scheduled at various venues in Bangkok and its vicinity from September 17-19.

TAT Says

Nithee Seeprae, TAT deputy governor for Marketing Communications, said, “TGTM is an excellent opportunity to showcase Thailand as a top sports destination and a prime choice for golfers globally. Tourism plays a crucial role as one of the key engines driving Thailand’s economy, and golf is a significant part of that. Our world-class courses host major tournaments and offer year-round play, complemented by our renowned hospitality and a wide range of after-game activities, from tasting local dishes to exploring local experiences and indulging in wellness treatments.”

This year’s TGTM welcomed 63 golf holiday specialists to meet and discuss business with 59 Thai exhibitors, including golf courses, country clubs, hotels, and other related businesses, as well as participating in networking golf tournaments. Also attending included 31 foreign media to explore some of Thailand’s finest golf courses and exceptional tourism experiences.

The TGTM 2024 began on the first day with a Networking Golf Inspection and Tournament at Siam Country Club Bangkok, followed by a Welcome Dinner at Topgolf Megacity. On the second day, delegates gathered at the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel for the opening ceremony, Thailand golf briefing, B2B sessions, and networking functions. A Networking Golf Tournament at Riverdale Golf Club is scheduled to conclude the event on the last day.

At the opening ceremony, Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT deputy governor for International Marketing – Europe, the Americas, Middle East, and Africa, highlighted TAT’s latest communication campaign, Amazing Thailand: Your Stories Never End, and showcased Thailand’s tourism products and services for a perfect golf vacation.

“Thailand is a well-known centre for golf in Asia, drawing golfers from all over the world with beautiful scenery, good weather and quality facilities. Golfers have a choice of outstanding courses or international tournaments across the country. Moreover, there are professional staff members who are hospitality workers, which makes every round memorable,” he said.

Thailand boasts over 250 golf courses, which can accommodate golfers of all levels and preferences. While many world-class courses are in major destinations, golf courses in the hidden-gems cities provide a memorable golfing experience. These include Gassan Legacy Golf Club in Lamphun, Santiburi Country Club in Chiang Rai, Chatrium Golf Resort Soi Dao in Chanthaburi, and Royal Creek Golf Club and Resort in Udon Thani. Over the years, Thailand has hosted many international golf events and tournaments, including the Honda LPGA Thailand, which celebrated its 17th edition this year and solidified Thailand’s reputation as a world-class golf destination. To encourage Thais and expats to play golf, TAT has launched the “Amazing Golf in Southern Thailand” promotion in partnership with Thailand’s leading golf booking platform, Golfdigg, and golf courses in Phuket, Krabi, Phang-Nga and Ko Samui. The project offers special deals at local restaurants, five-star hotels, spas, and community-based tourism activities between August and September 2024. Thailand’s well-established image as a world-class golf destination is backed by numerous prestigious awards. The most recent recognitions include the IAGTO Awards for Bangkok as the “Golf Destination of the Year 2024 (Southeast Asia)” and Nikanti Golf Club in Nakhon Pathom as the “Golf Course of the Year (Thailand)” and the World Golf Awards for Pineapple Valley Golf Club Hua Hin as “Thailand’s Best Golf Hotel 2023” and Siam Country Club Pattaya-Old Course as “Thailand’s Best Golf Course 2023”.